When it comes to hypnosis, myths and rumors abound in popular culture. Despite the portrayal of hypnosis in Hollywood films, real hypnosis does not use a ticking watch or superhuman mind control. These common myths are addressed and refuted by research in the field.
Myth: Hypnosis can make you do things against your will.
Fact: Hypnotists are guides that can help you change your behavior and develop positive habits. During the session, you are aware of everything that is going on. Unless you would normally break the law, a hypnosis session will not force you to engage in illegal behaviors. When you see a hypnotist in a stage show, they deliberately pick people who are receptive to hypnosis and acting dramatically on stage. These individuals are only doing things on stage because they volunteered and want to. Hypnotism can increase your ability to adopt lifestyle changes and develop positive habits, but none of these changes will occur against your will. In Hilgard’s 1977 “The Hidden Observer” research at Stanford University, it was shown that a part of the client’s mind remains active in hypnosis and keeps them from doing anything against their will.
Myth: There are people who cannot be hypnotized
Fact: You engage in self-hypnosis on a daily basis when you first wake. Whenever you are engrossed in driving a car or reading a good book, you are entering a hypnotic state. People believe that hypnosis may not work because of past experiences with hypnotists. If you use an IACHT certified hypnotist, the hypnotist will be able to use different techniques to find a hypnosis style that works for you.
Myth: Hypnosis is not effective
Fact: In six sessions, hypnotherapy offers a 93 percent recovery rate. Psychoanalysis offers a 38 percent recovery rats after 600 sessions. The American Health Magazine also says that behavioral therapy takes 22 sessions to receive a 72 percent recovery rate.
Myth: You could remain stuck in a trance
Fact: No one has ever been trapped within a trance. Hypnotism is an entirely natural field that works with your subconscious. If the hypnotist stops speaking or guiding you, you will naturally/automatically emerge from hypnosis within 5-10 minutes. Our brainwaves naturally switch between Theta and Alpha ranges, so you are able to emerge from hypnotic trances whenever you need to.
Myth: Hypnosis can force you to reveal your secrets
Fact: You will not reveal anything under hypnosis that you would not want to say normally. During hypnosis, you remain in control at all times.
Myth: Hypnosis is not in line with religions
Fact: Although there are a few religious groups that are against hypnosis, most major religions realize the possibility of hypnosis to overcome phobias, substance abuse, pain and medical problems. With an ethical hypnotist, your faith is respected.
Myth: Smart people cannot be hypnotized
Fact: Actually, studies show that more intelligent people are better at concentrating and creating the imagery that makes them well-suited for hypnosis.
Myth: You are asleep when you are hypnotized
Fact: You remain aware the entire time that you are hypnotized. Although you are in a state of deep relaxation, you are still alert. You may drift off if you are especially tired, but actual hypnosis requires you to be alert on some level.